Air-Fried Calamari: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're craving crispy, tender, and perfectly cooked calamari without the grease and mess of deep-frying, then cooking it in an air fryer is the way to go! This method yields a delicious and healthy version of the classic Italian dish that can be easily prepared at home. With an air fryer, you can enjoy the taste of your favourite restaurant-style calamari without the extra fat and calories from excessive oil. In this guide, you'll learn the tips and tricks to achieve the perfect air-fried calamari, from preparing the squid to cooking it to crispy perfection.

How to cook calamari in an air fryer

Preparing the calamari

Once you have your calamari, you need to tenderise it. Most recipes suggest doing this by soaking the rings in buttermilk or milk, but if you are dairy-free, you can use a brine made from baking soda, salt and water. This process will help to ensure your calamari doesn't become rubbery.

Next, you need to prepare your breading station. In one bowl, add your wet batter – this could be a mixture of egg and water, or olive oil. In another bowl, add your dry breading – this could be flour, breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices to the dry mixture if you wish.

Now you are ready to start breading your calamari. Take each ring and dip it in the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it in the bowl with the dry mixture. Use a spoon to completely cover the ring with the dry mixture. You can now place the breaded calamari on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you prepare the rest of the batch.

Finally, you are ready to start cooking! Preheat your air fryer to between 380ºF and 400ºF. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the calamari rings inside, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the rings with oil and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. The calamari is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.

Cooking methods

First, you will need to prepare the calamari. If you are using frozen calamari, you will need to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or, if you are in a hurry, place it in a colander and thaw it under cold running water for 15 minutes. If you are using fresh calamari, you will need to clean and cut it. Look for calamari that has firm, shiny white bodies and a pleasantly salty aroma.

Once the calamari is prepared, you can start the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Place the calamari rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the calamari with oil to ensure they get crispy.

Cook the calamari for around 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The calamari should be golden brown and crispy when finished. If you are using a larger calamari ring, you can place a smaller one inside to save space in the air fryer.

If you are cooking in batches, it is important to only coat the calamari in flour when you are ready to put them in the air fryer, as the flour can get gummy if left too long. After cooking, shake off any excess flour from the calamari rings. You can also tenderize the calamari rings by soaking them in milk or a baking soda and salt brine before cooking.

Tenderising the calamari

To tenderise the calamari, you can either soak the rings in milk or buttermilk, or pound them with a kitchen mallet or heavy skillet. If you are soaking the calamari, it is important to pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This is because excess water will make the calamari soggy rather than crispy. If you are pounding the calamari, be careful not to tear the flesh.

If you are dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free milk or an alternative method of tenderising. One recipe suggests a brine made with baking soda, kosher salt, and water. This method is based on a recipe from America's Test Kitchen and is said to "tenderise and flavour the squid". According to Cook's Illustrated, this method works because:

> "briefly soaking meat [or protein] in a solution of baking soda and water raises the pH on the meat’s surface, making it more difficult for the proteins to bond excessively, which keeps the meat tender and moist when it’s cooked."

It is also important to note that the size of the calamari will affect its tenderness. Smaller squid tend to be more tender, so if you are buying whole squid, look for smaller ones.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer calamari can vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the size of the calamari rings. It is recommended to cook squid at 380ºF for about 10 minutes total. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen calamari, it is important to thaw it completely before cooking. This can be done by leaving it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or using the cold water method, which takes about 15 minutes. It is also important to pat the calamari dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess water.

When air frying, it is best to work in batches to ensure the rings aren't touching, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature. You should also keep an eye on the calamari while it's cooking, as you may need to adjust the time or temperature to prevent burning or overcooking. Calamari can turn rubbery if overcooked, so it's important to cook it quickly over high heat or slowly over low heat.

If you are reheating leftover fried calamari in the air fryer, cook at 400°F for 2 to 5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving air fryer calamari, there are several options to choose from. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Classic Combinations:

For a classic pairing, consider serving your calamari with a side of chips or sweet potato fries. This creates a unique twist on the traditional "fish and chips" dish. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal. Opt for a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Dipping Sauces:

Fried calamari often tastes best when paired with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include cocktail sauce, marinara sauce, ketchup, sriracha, sriracha mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These sauces add extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Spices and Seasonings:

To kick things up a notch, add some chilli pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your calamari before serving. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as old bay seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder. These additions will enhance the flavour and give your calamari a unique twist.

Breadcrumbs:

Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, try using panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Before frying, you can also add flavour boosters like garlic or onion powder to the breadcrumbs. This will give your calamari an extra punch of taste and texture.

Temperature and Texture:

Calamari is best served hot and crispy. To ensure a crispy texture, always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in even cooking. Additionally, avoid thawing frozen calamari before cooking, as this can make it soggy. Cooking from frozen helps achieve a juicy and tender inside with a crispy outside.

Side Dishes:

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing your calamari with a tasty side dish. Baked stuffed squid, filled with potatoes, soaked bread, and turmeric, is a delicious option. Alternatively, try serving it with vinegar cucumber noodles and sweet hot chilli sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions